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What is herpes disease? Most of the common people may still not be familiar with this disease, or maybe only occasionally hear a few people talk about it, but have not really heard the ins and outs of this disease.
Herpes is not included in the list of world diseases that must be reported regularly. However, it is different in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of cases of this disease in developing countries, including Indonesia, is higher than in developed countries.
Herpes disease is caused by the herpes virus which consists of 8 types, but only 2 are the most frequently studied, namely; shingles and herpes simplex. So what is the difference between the two types of herpes?
Shingles
Shingles is a skin disease which is more commonly known as shingles or shingles. This disease is caused by a virus similar to chickenpox, so people who have been exposed to chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles in the future. The risk will be greater if you have entered old age.
Symptoms of shingles
A skin and genital specialist, dr. I Gusti Nyoman Darmaputra explained that, the initial symptoms of this disease usually begin with the appearance of feeling unwell on the forehead and right head such as migraines for about 1-5 days, followed by pain that progressively develops in duration and pain.
But sometimes, the existence of this virus can not be predicted. Treatment is often only done after a red bubble filled with fluid appears (acute phase). This may make it look like chicken pox. The difference is, transmission of shingles only occurs when there is direct contact with infected skin.
The impact of shingles
In fact, research by Johnson et al. In 2010 revealed that late handling of herpes zoster has impact on the quality of life of a person, among others:
- The person will be more easily tired, experience weight loss, difficulty sleeping (physical)
- The person becomes depressed, feels restless, has difficulty concentrating and is easily scared (psychological)
- As a result, this person withdraws and begins to isolate himself as well
- Has difficulty dressing, bathing, eating and other routine activities.
This is because, prolonged handling of herpes zoster can have an impact on several complications in other parts of the body (if the infection occurs in that part of the body), including the nervous system, eyes, ears, nose, throat to the part between the chest and the pelvis.
Herpes zoster can be prevented with several actions, including long-term use of acyclovir and vaccine (according to a doctor's prescription).
ALSO READ: Treating Pain Due to Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Herpes simplex
Unlike herpes zoster, herpes simplex is a venereal disease. This disease is characterized by the appearance of clustered rashes like grapes filled with water and very painful on the genitals (especially when they break and at the first time), as well as leaving dry sores that can disappear on their own after breaking, for about 2 days to 3 weeks.. Apart from around the genitals, these rashes can also appear around the anus and mouth.
Unfortunately, the disease was able to recur. Especially for 1 year after being infected. Fortunately, the symptoms when you are infected the second time will not be as painful as the first time and although the virus will continue to stay in your body, the number of symptoms will decrease over time.
Herpes simplex effects
It needs more attention when the patient is a pregnant woman, because the impact of this disease can threaten the life of the fetus and newborn. In other words, this disease can be transmitted either through the placenta, or during delivery. One study revealed that without adequate treatment, 80 percent of babies born infected with herpes simplex will die and even if they are successfully born, these babies will experience brain damage.
Apart from going through the placenta, transmission of this disease is also acquired by having sex with a partner who has been infected with the virus. In other words, the only way to avoid this disease is by not having sex with a partner who has not been tested for the herpes simplex virus in their body.
The use of condoms may reduce the risk of transmission, but it is not completely protective. This is because the symptoms of herpes can appear on any part of your body that is infected.
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